In 2020, we saw the workplace dynamic transform into a space with a growing need for flexibility and innovation to facilitate digital communication. With COVID-19 pandemic regulations and increasing globalisation driving the shift, conference rooms are equipped with systems and technologies that enable communication in a constantly changing environment.

Businesses are embracing digital communications in 2021 more than ever before, with large-scale video conferencing technologies like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, among numerous other tools, to facilitate this operational shift.

Conference Room Technology in 2021

According to PwC’s US Remote Work Survey in 2021, 83% of employers consider their company's transition to working from home a success. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean your office space can be made obsolete, as 87% of employees still perceive offices as essential for collaboration and team building.

As more businesses favour a hybrid work environment with flexible working arrangements, maintaining interactive, cloud-based conferencing technology has become crucial for organisations to communicate effectively in 2021.

While there are so many technologies out there, here are the top 5 that will significantly improve your meeting efficiency:

5 Technologies That Will Enhance Your Conference Room

1. Wireless Presentation System

A wireless conference room is a meeting space where guests can connect to a projector or screen wirelessly and display presentation material from their phone, tablet or laptop without the need for cables.

A USB connected device with WiFi modules has become one of the most commonly used wireless presentation systems in conference rooms.

With a wireless presentation system, you can streamline and enhance your meetings by:Freeing up cables and general clutter

• Not needing to rely on IT support and maintenance
• Enabling everyone to use their own devices
• Fast and seamless presentation set-ups
• Encouraging collaboration and engagement

2. Interactive Flat Panels for Dynamic Meetings

Also known as smart whiteboards, interactive flat panels are large touch screens connected to a computer to serve as an integrated solution for projectors, microphones, audio and interactive engagement.

An interactive flat panel has an easy-to-use interface that enables calligraphy writing, intelligent graphics and forms, multiple displays for collaboration and more. It has become an essential tool for companies that have flexible working environments, modern conference rooms, training rooms and presentation suites.

Interactive flat panels can improve your meetings by:

• Increasing engagement levels with interactive writing and collaboration features
• Streamlining your meeting set-up process
• Enabling seamless interaction in a flexible working environment
• Improving meeting and company culture while engaging with employees that work from home

3. LED Video Walls as a Conference Room Display

An LED video wall is an innovative display for any conference room design. With less interactive capabilities than the interactive flat panel, LED video walls still bring various benefits to the conference room.

Today’s LED video walls offer no limitations in terms of resolution and brightness, ensuring that presentations are always visible and engaging. The easy-to-use technology doesn’t require complex installation or training for employees. Its simple plug-and-play feature is a quick and easy way to upgrade your conference room.

4. All-in-One Video and Audio Conference Tools

Unlike a typical webcam that only supports camera use, an all-in-one video and audio conference tool is typically equipped with professional-level microphones and a powerful speaker. It's a webcam that takes care of all of your meeting requirements with high ease of use.

With wide-angle lenses, the camera covers larger areas of your conference room. Having an all-in-one solution to video conferencing can free up time spent organising the conference room for meetings and improve productivity.

5. Conference Room Management Software

Conference room management software has become more vital than ever before to ensure people can easily access venues, plan meetings, and navigate their physical and hybrid spaces more effectively.

Using conference room management software will enable you to:

• Identify and book available meeting rooms at any given time from your smartphone.
• Improve transparency on conference room use to prevent double bookings.
• If your plans change, you can cancel your reservation and notify your attendees automatically.

The Bottom Line

With all the changes we've experienced in the last couple of years, one thing remains certain: people need to meet. However, what has changed is how we meet – whether that is in person, virtually or both. With so many technologies available at our disposal today, we need to choose those that enhance productivity while improving meeting experiences.